Martha Smith Croom

Martha Elizabeth Smith Croom, 68, of Charlotte, NC died Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at University Place Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Born September 24, 1946 in Charlotte she was a daughter of the late Hugh Roy Smith and Beulah Turner Smith. Martha graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1964, attended Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC and received an Associate Degree from CPCC in 1969. She worked in the family business, Smith's Flowers, Inc. as a floral designer prior to graduating from the Watts School of Nursing in Durham in 1984 with a nursing degree. She was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, sang in the Church Choir and enjoyed photography. She delighted in her nephew and nieces when they were young and especially enjoyed helping her sister play "Santa" on Christmas Eve. She often entertained the children with her turtle stories. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday October 31, 2014 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with Rev. Jill Smith officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home. She is survived by her brother, Albert Clement Smith of Olin, NC; sister, Rose Marie Smith Chapman of Denver, NC; one nephew; five nieces; 2 great nephews; 4 great nieces and one great great nephew. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Hugh Roy Smith, Jr. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and to the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church community for their support for the last ten years of her life, especially Rev. Jill Smith. Memorials may be made to the Music Department of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huntersville, NC is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com